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Sandra Wagner-Wright

Rama's Labyrinth: A Biographical Novel (Women of Determination and Courage)

Synopsis

Biographical historical fiction that takes the reader across India during the last decades of the British Raj.
From a girlhood among Hindu shrines to widowhood and Christian conversion, Rama seeks her destiny. Is it only to educate Hindu widows? Or does God have a larger plan in mind?
Rama’s Labyrinth traces the life of Pandita Ramabai, a social reformer who rose above personal adversity to rescue and educate famine victims.

Author Biography

Sandra Wagner-Wright holds the doctoral degree in history and taught women’s and global history at the University of Hawai`i. Rama’s Labyrinth is her first work of historical fiction. When she’s not researching or writing, Sandra enjoys travel, including trips to India, South Africa, and the Galapagos Islands. Sandra particularly likes writing about strong women who make a difference. She lives in Hilo, Hawai`i with her family and writes a weekly blog relating to history, travel, and the idiosyncrasies of life. Check out Sandra’s webpage at www.sandrawagnerwright.com

Author Insight

Rama Speaks to her First American Audience

Rama came to Philadelphia to raise funds so she can found a school for child widows in India. Rama will use the themes she develops in her first major speech at all her fundraising events. Rama informs he audience what life is like for women in India, especially the little girls who marry much older men and become unwanted child widows. These are the children Rama wants to educate. But it's a long road from a first speech to an actual school.

Book Excerpt

Rama's Labyrinth: A Biographical Novel (Women of Determination and Courage)

“No woman has free will. Her life is divided into three parts: as a child, a wife and mother, and finally, a widow. At every stage, she serves male relatives. The father arranges his daughter’s marriage. The bride goes to her husband’s house where the entire household awaits the birth of her son. If her husband dies, the family blames the widow for his death. She becomes a figure of disdain and rejection.”